A simple, often missed setting on a new server: switch Windows to the High Performance Power Plan. Here is why it matters for SQL Server and where to set it.
Forced Parameterization: When It Cuts CPU and When It Hurts
Test forced parameterization against ad hoc compile pressure with query_hash counts, compilations per second, CPU, and parameter sensitivity.
SQL SERVER – Filtering CPU Bound Execution Plans with Extended Events
Profiler captures every plan or none. With query_post_execution_showplan, Extended Events can capture only CPU bound execution plans in SQL Server 2012.
FORMAT vs CONVERT: The CPU Cost of Pretty Dates
FORMAT makes dates look nice, but it costs CPU on every row. Here is the gap, and where it hurts most.
Top Resource Consumers in Query Store
Top resource consumers in Query Store show CPU, duration, and reads by query and plan, so tuning starts with workload impact.
Signal Waits: Telling CPU Pressure From Slow Disks
Measure signal waits over an interval, compare scheduler queues and file latency, and separate CPU scheduling pressure from storage delays.
Running, Runnable, Suspended: The Life of a Query in sys.dm_exec_requests
Read running, runnable, and suspended SQL Server requests, inspect task states, and compare scheduler queues before diagnosing CPU pressure.